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Graduate Catalog 2004-2006: Programs

College of Education

Off-Campus Master's Programs

The College of Education offers the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership (MAEL) degrees at off-campus sites throughout the university's authorized operating region, which includes Illinois and Wisconsin. An administrative office is maintained at the George Williams Campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin and courses for the MAT and MAEL programs are offered at that location. Courses offered in Wisconsin meet the requirements of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. In addition, the university maintains contractual relationships with over 130 school districts, educational service centers, professional consultant groups, and other cooperating organizations, for the delivery of university-approved graduate education courses in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Descriptions of courses offered in the off-campus program in Illinois and Wisconsin are published in the College of Education Catalog of Off-Campus Graduate Education courses which is separately issued as an extension of this University catalog.

Elective courses are offered according to the campus master schedule and the George Williams Campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Additionally, throughout the year, approximately 900 courses are offered in Illinois and Wisconsin through Aurora University's strong network of contractual academic partners. The partners include Argonne and Fermi National Laboratories, Adler Planetarium, Morton Arboretum, many of the Regional Offices of Education and other state agencies, and over 50 participating school districts. Listings of these courses may be obtained from the College of Education.

The degree requirements for the MAT are the same as those for the campus-based program (see descriptions in this catalog). However, at off-campus sites, students meet the requirements for their elective coursework by completing university graduate courses delivered in conjunction with cooperating organizations. Core/residency course requirements are met through on-site intensive courses and distance-learning courses delivered by full-time and adjunct faculty of the College of Education.

Degree requirements for the MAEL are similarly met by a combination of core/residency coursework completed on-campus and/or at off-campus sites, and Aurora University elective coursework delivered in conjunction with cooperating organizations. Overall requirements are the same as for the on-campus program (see descriptions in this catalog). NOTE: The MAEL leads to Illinois Type 75 (administrative) certification for Illinois residents only; students who are Wisconsin residents must file for a Wisconsin Code 51 certification.

A maximum of six (6) semester hours taken as a graduate student-at-large may be applied toward the requirements of the MAT, MAEL, or MATC. Students who may wish to complete any of these credentials are therefore advised to apply for admission as a master's student in the program before the six-semester hour limit.

All graduate transfer credit from other institutions must be submitted at the time of acceptance into the MAT, MAEL, or MATC program. Previous coursework must have been completed within the last five years; a maximum of nine (9) semester hours earned at other regionally accredited graduate institutions may be transferred and applied to the MAT, MAEL or MATC at the discretion of the program faculty. Once a student is admitted to the MAT, MAEL, or MATC program, a maximum of 18 semester hours earned in each calendar year may be applied toward the degree or certification requirements, including a maximum of 12 semester hours taken during the summer session.

This is a complete 36 semester hour Master's degree program delivered collaboratively by way of a partnership between Aurora University and an individual school district (or consortium of small districts) to a specified cohort group. Courses are presented at the site by College of Education faculty. An elective field based component is developed around the strategic needs of the collaborating partner. The required courses of the MAT degree, (seven core courses) are taught by AU faculty. Refer to the general core courses described under Master of Arts in Teaching. The elective courses, developed collaboratively by AU and the school district, provide the field-based component. Characteristics of the elective portion:

• It may incorporate a school district's entire staff development offerings.
• It may be developed around the district's school improvement directions.
• It may be derived from the school district's strategic plan.
• District faculty meeting Aurora University's requirements for adjunct instructors may fully staff the elective component of the degree.
• Degree costs to the teachers may be dramatically reduced by infusing coursework from in-house staff development programs.
• The district may arrange for other qualified staff developers to provide elective coursework and/or work with the university to schedule field-based electives taught by AU faculty at reduced cost.

The required courses of the MAEL degree are designed to meet the Illinois Type 75 state certification requirements and Wisconsin Code 51 requirements.

Admission requirements may be modified for cohorts. Entry is dependent upon recommendation of the candidates immediate supervisor. Course schedules developed for cohort members must be the equivalent of on campus class time but need not conform to on campus schedules.